LORETO, BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR, MEXICO (GPS coordinates 26'07 N ~ 111'33 W) is the original capital of all of the Californias, and if you haven't been here lately consider giving this historic seaside town a second look. The seafront Malecon (Paseo Lopez Mateos) features grass, palm trees and a seaside walkway complete with sitting benches right at the edge of the Sea of Cortez. Many additional improvements were made to celebrate Loreto's 300 year anniversary and Loreto is now looking ship-shape as it moves into the 21st century.

Web

www.cancunexpo.com

www.mexicoexpo.com

www.bajaexpo.com

Finally! The new air terminal at Loreto International airport is almost ready. The old (existing) terminal will become the General Aviation terminal after the new terminal has opened.

A good marina is located on the north end of town and is the focal point for most of the fishing out of Loreto. A good launch ramp at the marina can handle almost any size boat, although larger vessels should avoid the ramp at low tide.

Right next to the marina is a sandy swim beach, and the sand goes all the way out into deeper water. Laying under the palapas in the sand is a great way for anyone to cool off on a hot Baja afternoon. The new Mision Hotel across the street is first class.

Just south of Loreto is the Nopolo tourist area has taken a financial turn for the worst and its long term future is unknown. Stay tuned for updates.

The Nopolo golf course is now run by Fonatur and was upgraded with new fairways in 2009. It's a beautiful place to golf and includes ocean views.

Loreto has always been popular with the fishing crowd and tight lines are still a big reason to visit the area. Visit the web site of Pam Boles' BAJA BIG FISH for an update on the local bite is always a fun escape.

Savvy Baja aficianados who want to explore the Baja Peninsula but don't have the time to drive down often use Loreto as a jumping off point because of its International Airport. Carlos Fiesta uses Alaska Airlines to and from Loreto at least 5 times each year!

Kayakers have discovered the beautiful waters in the Marine park off of Loreto and its islands and divers are becoming increasingly common in town. The waters off of the local islands have been set aside as an UNDERWATER NATIONAL PARK to ensure pristine waters for many years to come.

To really experience the waters off of Loreto without getting wet you will be blown away by the underwater photography in the IMAX film OCEAN OASIS.

For serious sailors, the natural harbor 15 minutes south at Puerto Loreto (more commonly known as Puerto Escondido) is a great place to hole up during bad weather or as a great destination in and of itself. The harbor now has fuel and the new hotel just west of the harbor is very nice.

Adjacent to Puerto Escondido is Tripui Resort which offers the new Hotel Tripui (see hotel section, below), mobile home and motor home spaces, a restaurant and bar, a well-kept pool, plus Internet access.

In short, Loreto has come a long way from the dusty days when the blacktop first came through town back in the 1970's. With the international airport just south of town, getting to Loreto is an hour and a half flight from Los Angeles, California. Looking for a quick, fun and easy getaway? Loreto is waiting for you!

For those who want to get away and keep in touch (via E-mail) there are two Internet Cafes in downtown Loreto.

A good place for the visitor to spend time in Loreto is in the Mission area. In this one block area visitors can enjoy the mission, the town plaza, shops, restaurants (Cafe Ole), check their e-mail and check out excursion options (Las Parras Tours). Plus this area is just a short two block walk to the Sea of Cortez on Loreto's main street Salvatierra!

For more information on Loreto real estate, check out our REAL ESTATE section!

If you would like to see what Loreto looks like FROM SPACE check it out!

Loreto was an important stop for Carlos Fiesta on his 2,200 mile solo BAJA CIRCUMNAVIGATION! Yes he really did it!

Got ATM? The Bank across the cobblestone drive from Cafe Ole in downtown Loreto has an ATM open 24 hours a day. Jackpots paid in pesos.

THE GRINGO FACTOR

Loreto offers a good mix of local people and visitors. Most of the gringos spend time at their vacation homes, along the waterfront or along the main street in town just up from the waterfront. Hotels, restaurants and shops are all within walking distance to the town square and the beautiful Loreto Mission. Some gringos own homes in the Nopolo area, about 10 minutes south of Loreto. And others like to explore the spectacular coastline from Loreto south to Puerto Escondido and beyond.

YOUR FIRST STOP IN TOWN

Head on down to the water! The spectacular offshore islands seem to be floating in the blue Sea of Cortez, and the perfect place to take in the view is the Malecon sidewalk and benches. Thirsty or hungry? Drop by Auggies, Las Islas or La Mision Hotel bar on the Malecon for a relaxing ocean view drink and a snack.

THE BEST OF LORETO

Loreto visitors looking for a spectacular hotel will love the HOTEL POSADA DE LOS FLORES located in the heart of downtown. It is intimate, classy and unique. Did I mention expensive? A close second choice is the new Mision Hotel across the street from the Sea of Cortez.
Campers and RV's looking for a great place to set up camp usually head an hour north to the postcard perfect beaches of BAHIA CONCEPCION. Most of the spaces are ocean front. The sand is warm the water is clear and a day on the beach will feel like a week! A closer RV park is 12 minutes south of Loreto at the Tripui Park. Nice, clean and affordable.
The best casual restaurant in Loreto for breakfasts is CAFE OLE...the perfect place to get your Loreto morning started. For an oceanfront dinner try MEDITERRANEA on the Malecon, west side of the street.
The best place in town to pull up a cold cervesa and listen to evening music is MIKES BAR on the main street in downtown Loreto or AUGGIES on the Malecon.
The best road trip from Loreto is one hour paved and dirt road west of town to the incredible SAN JAVIER MISSION. Just walking around the village here is like stepping back in time 100 years. Bring a camera.
Sailors looking for a protected harbor to drop the hook head about 10 miles south of Loreto at PUERTO ESCONDIDO. This is one of the most protected bays in all of Baja. Fuel is now available (2010).
The best island getaway? There are two great ones within 30 minutes of Loreto. Isla Carmen (northeast) and Isla Coronado (southeast) offer sheltered coves with clear water and sandy beaches. Rent a boat and go!

CARLOS FIESTA'S HOT TIP: Mission San Javiar is the perfect destination for a half or full day getaway. No problem with rental cars on the paved and dirt road!

Web

www.mexicoexpo.com

www.bajaexpo.com

www.caboexpo.com

Loreto has miles of brown sandy beaches, north and south of town. The Malecon
consists of large boulders, creating a long breakwater for the city. The
beaches near town are made up mostly of brown sand, and can be accessed either north of the Marina, or south of the Malecon near the Oasis Hotel.

ISLA CORONADO

North east of Loreto, less than a half hour ride in a panga.
A relatively small island with a spectacular hidden crescent beach at the south-west
end. Paradise!

PLAYA LORETO

Just next to the marina, at the north end of town.
This sand beach starts at the marina, and runs for miles up the coast, lots of
privacy the further north you go. The sand at the south end is the best for hanging out at the beach.

ISLA DEL CARMEN

Due west (and a tad south) from downtown Loreto. About 35 minutes by boat.
On the north shore, a great white sand beach tucked away in a protected
cove! Puerto Balandra is a hidden piece of paradise and the perfect place to get dropped off and just hang all day. Swimming, snorkeling, fishing, exploring the sand dunes... this protected beach is a true escape!

NOPOLO BEACH

A few minutes south of the airport, south of the tennis center and near the golf course.
Easy access to a secluded beach, next to a large rock cliff. Parking
available right next to the beach. Good snorkeling off the cliffs just south of the hotel.

TRIPUI BEACH

South of Loreto, left turn at the Puerto Escondido. Dirt spur road right (south) to
private beach.
A beautiful, protected cove, usually uncrowded. Services available at
Tripui Park.

LORETO SHORES

Telephone 011-52 (613) 135-0629.
Fax 011-52 (613) 135-0711.
Colonia Zaragoza, south of town.
Camping close to the water on the south end of town. Take Madero south, past the river wash, then left at the sign.
36 spaces / restrooms / bar / bathrooms / hook-ups. Most of the ocean front spaces are filled with permanents. Interior spaces usually available.

EL JUNCOLITO

15 minutes south, just north of Puerto Escondido, a short dirt road off
the blacktop.
Very private beach, great for long stays or an overnight quickie.
A bit exposed to northern winds but usually calm.

ENSENADA BLANCA

7 miles south of Puerto Escondido, Km. 84, dirt road 3 miles to the Sea
of Cortez.
A very private white sand beach, usually empty, maybe a boat or two at
anchor. Nice!
One of Loreto's best kept secrets!

NOPOLO BEACH

About two miles of the airport, behind the golf course, on the beach.
A relaxing place for day camping, plenty of parking, easy access, quiet!
Some of Loreto's best snorkeling is just around the rocky point.

TRIPUI RV PARK

Telephone 011-52 (613) 133-0828.
20 minutes south on Baja Highway, east at
Puerto Escondido.
A great location near the beautiful harbor. Many permanents, some overnights
available.
Restaurant, bar and a small market.

Loreto is a big fishing town, both for the locals and for the Baja visitor.
Even though the fishing improves as the water starts to warm up towards
summer, there really is decent fishing in Loreto all year long.

Those who bring their own boats will have no problem launching on the cement ramp
in the harbor on the north end of town. This marina is the hub of fishing activity in Loreto and is usually a very busy place! Boats with a deep draft should
avoid launching at very low tides. Those who need to charter the services
of the locals will usually have no problem finding a competent skipper and
a vessel at about $150 U.S. per day.

Pangas selling live bait can be found in the water near the harbor entrance from before sun-up through early morning.

On calm days most fishermen head out past Isla Carmen or Isla Coronado for Dorado or Sailfish. On windy days or when a swell prevents long distance hauls, fishing in the calmer waters between the mainland and the islands is good for smaller bottom fish.
Let's talk fish. The Yellowtail usually run from November through June,
Marlin June through September, Yellowfin Tuna July through October, Sailfish
June through September, and Snapper and Cabrilla can run all year long.
Your mileage may vary.

If you or your skipper spot a huge sea turtle cruising
near the surface of the water while out at sea, please don't kill it. There
aren't that many of the buggers left.

A fishing and island tours office is set up at the north west corner of the marina.

Telephone 011-52 (613) 135-0078.
Toll free (888) 533-BAJA.
Loreto's complete sportfishing service!
Pam is extremely knowledgeable about the waters off of Loreto, and provides a first class service for Loreto anglers looking for a hook-up, and will be happy to answer any questions while you are in town.
Check out their web site for more info.

The hotel situation in Loreto is improving each year. There are
a few medium sized hotels in town, and a few new larger hotels. Fear not, the ever present Desert Inn chain also has their foot
in the sand in Loreto.

HACIENDA SUITES

Telephone (866) 207-8732.
Avenida Salvatierra #152, Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
Located at the west end of town, right on the main street!
Web site: www.haciendasuites.com.
Number of rooms: 25.
Hotel amenities: Pool / restaurant / 2 bars / outside patio / mini-market / room service / travel agency.
Room amenities: Air conditioning / telephones / cable television / coffee maker.
Not close to the beach but nice.
The bar is right next to the pool...nice!
Per person prices start at about $40 which is a good rate for a hotel this nice.
Fishing packages available.
Visa and Master Card accepted.

DANZANTE ADVENTURE RESORT

Telephone (408) 354-0042.
Fax (408) 354-3268.
U.S. address: Post Office Box 1166, Los Gatos, California, 95031.
The resort is located 10 miles south of Loreto at Km 84.5.
Web site: www.danzante.com.
All Inclusive (including beer and margaritas!).
Number of rooms: 9.
Semi-private bungalows with private baths, patio hammocks and unbelievable ocean and island views!
Separate dining room, plunge pool and patio, plus a small library.
Custom artesian hilltop suites with spectacular 270 degree views of the islands and the Sea of Cortez.
This secluded destination eco-resort was featured in Travel and Leisure magazine and is one of the most special places in Baja!
Recreation includes kayaking, horseback riding, scuba diving, snorkeling, island expeditions, whale watching, and catamaran rentals.
Baja experts Michael and Lauren Farley will do their best to make your visit to their corner of paradise unforgettable. Visit their web site for additional information.

DESERT INN

Telephone 011-52 (613) 135-0025.
Ensenada main office 011-52 (617) 176-2601.
Main office fax 011-52 (617) 176-3688.
Toll free (800) 336-5454.
Corporate address: Avenida Floresta at Bucaneros, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico.
Web sites: www.lapintahotels.com.
On the beach.
On a big beach, north end of town.
Number of rooms: 49.
Big rooms / restaurant / pool / air conditioning / TV / all rooms facing the beach.
The hotel sits q-u-i-t-e a ways back from the beach, and most guests usually hang around the pool.
An easy walk to the marina.

HOTEL POSADA DE LOS FLORES

Telephone (877) 245-2860.
Salvatierra esq. Madero Col. Centro, Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico, 23880.
Located right off of the main road through town, directly across from the Plaza and the Mission.
Web site: www.posadadelosflores.com.
An intimate first class hotel in heart of Loreto! Definitely the top end lodging within hundreds of miles in any direction!
Number of rooms: 15.
Spectacular rooms, including 3 junior suites and 2 luxury suites.
This first class hotel features a grand old-world entrance.
Best room in the house: the Buganvillas Suite. Great view!
Mexican outdoor roof-top restaurant "La Plaza" with village and ocean views, the indoor elegant Italian restaurant "Vecchia Roma".
A wonderful roof-top bar called "Antigua Casa del Negro Mesa" for cocktails under the stars! The rooftop pool and lounge area is a marvel!
A must see...worth the price of a margarita!

LORETO PLAYA BED AND BREAKFAST

Telephone 011-52 (613) 135-1129.
APDO Postal 127, Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico, 23880.
Located on the beach near town on the north side.
Web site: www.loretoplaya.com.
Bed and Breakfast.
Hotel amenities: Gardens / ocean views / large view deck with hammock / courtyard / gourmet kitchen.
Room amenities: Televisions / VCR / refrigerator / air conditioning / complimentary books / sitting areas / terrace.
Perfectly decorated and maintained for those expecting the best!
Rooftop terrace with spectacular ocean and island views.
Complimentary bikes and kayaks for guests.
Owner Paulette Gochie will do her best to make your stay in Loreto a great one.
Your choice of breakfasts served each morning from 8:00 am until 10:00 am.
Review their web site for additional information.

OASIS HOTEL

Telephone 011-52 (613) 135-0211.
Located at the very south end of Malecon, right on the beach!
Number of rooms: 35.
Web site: www.hoteloasis.com.
Hacienda/ranch style rooms / pool in garden setting / tennis /restaurant / huge enclosed bar with outside patio / gift shop / fishing / big beach / volleyball.
If you are looking for a great, squeaky clean hotel, with lots of charm, the Oasis is a first class act.
Best room in the house..room #40!

SU KASA SEASIDE BUNGALOWS

Telephone 011-52 (613) 135-0490.
Post Office Box 215, Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico, 23880.
Located on the Malecon right across the street from the Sea of Cortez!
www.loreto.com/sukasa.
Number of rooms: 8.
Spotless one bedroom furnished units in excellent condition!
Living rooms / dining and kitchen areas / terraces / ocean views / air conditioning / very reasonable rates start at $56 U.S. Perfect!
Daily, weekly, monthly, annually. Discounts for decade stays.
An easy walk to town and to the marina.

IGUANA INN

Telephone 011-52 (613) 135-1627.
Located on Benito Juarez between Madero and Davis Streets.
One block north of the Central Plaza, one block to the Sea of Cortez.
Web site: www.iguanainn.com.
Number of rooms: 3.
Courtyard bungalows in a quiet and intimate environment.
Refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, toaster, air conditioning, Bahama fans, courtyard fountain area, palapa and hammocks with misting system, BBQ area, on site parking, large modern bathrooms.
Also available TV / VCR / video library / book exchange.
An easy walk to the Plaza and to the marina.

HOTEL EL MORO

Telephone 011-52 (613) 135-0025.
Located on Rosendo Robles, behind the Mision Hotel.
Number of rooms: 8.
Brand new rooms, 4 upstairs, 4 downstairs. $35 to $40.
Good size rooms with private baths.
The owner Ari also accepts R.V.'s and campers.
This hotel is only 100 yards from the Sea of Cortez!

MISSION DE SAN FRANCISCO SAN JAVIER

One of the true jewels of the Baja Mission system!
It is located in the Giganta Sierra mountains 22 miles west of Loreto on a patially paved and unpaved road. This road can
be traveled by most passenger vehicles, although small cars with low clearance
will have to adapt to a bit slower pace. If you're not in a hurry this is
a very pleasant drive. Average driving time is less than one hour.

The mission
itself is located in a palm filled valley with the population of the local
village somewhere around 300 souls (goats, chickens and horses not included).
It's extremely well preserved, made of large stones and lava rock, and a
walking tour of the mission and surrounding grounds is a genuine treat. Don't miss the Olive tree in the back of the mission. It is as old (or older) that the mission!!!

The San Javietr Restaurant next to the mission serves burritos and quesadillas sodas and cervesas at very affordable prices. The bathroom is free.

This settlement was originally settled by the Jesuits in the year 1699, and the mission was established by Father Juan de Ugarte in 1701. The jeep that was used in the mid-1900's to bring supplies to San Javier is parked behind a chainlink fence on Baja Highway 1 between the airport road and Loreto.

Check out our BAJA MISSIONS section for more information on the Baja mission system.

LORETO MISSION MUSEUM

Located in downtown Loreto next to the mission.
Various exhibits displaying artifacts and information about Baja's first mission.
Tools, paintings, sculptures, folk art, artifacts, maps, arrowheads, fossils and much more.
After your tour of the museum walk north up the city walkway and grab an ice cream!

LAS PARRAS TOURS

Telephone 011-52 (613) 135-1010.
Fax 011-52 (613) 135-0900.
Calle Madero #16, Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
Located smack dab in the middle of downtown.
Trips to Mission San Javier, the islands, and other local attractions.
These folks know Loreto and the surrounding territory very well.

BIKES AND OFF-ROAD

Loreto sits on relatively flat terrain, so biking around town is fun.
There's not too much traffic, and a ride along the Malecon at waters edge
is very enjoyable. For a more serious bike run, heading south past Nopolo
to the harbor at Puerto Escondido is an option, but watch out for trucks
on the highway. The shoulder is minimal.

Visit the web site of WIDE OPEN BAJA for awesome buggy tours of the Baja Peninsula.

LAS PARRAS TOURS

SNORKELING AND SCUBA DIVING

When the water is calm, snorkeling and diving can be fun in several places near Loreto. Best locations include: 1 * Punta Nopolo (10 minutes south of Loreto), 2 * Puerto Balandra (on Isla Carmen), 3 * Bajo Choya Seamount (1/2 mile from the north-west end of Isla Carmen).

Looking to preserve the waters off of Loreto for future generation, the Mexican government has set aside much of the offshore waters as an Underwater National Park. Hopefully this protected status will help keep these waters alive and full of fish for many years to come!

GOLF

Golfing at Nopolo Resort is probably the most laid back golfing in the
known Universe. Crowds are rare, although the word is getting
out about this little slice of golf paradise. A golf course with this small
number of customers in the U.S. or Canada would go out of business quickly.
But the Mexican government's Fonatur arm keeps this course running just fine. A very nice redo in 2009 has made the greens even better. Pack a cooler
full of drinks, and go hit the links! Even though the Nopolo residential development is having problems, the golf course is still being maintained by Fonatur.

HORSEBACK RIDING

Have you always admired those people who are riding horses on the beach in those television deodorant commercials? Live the dream! There's nothing like clopping down along the Sea of Cortez on the back of a healthy steed!

KAYAKING

The calm waters of the Sea of Cortez around Loreto are great for snorkeling.
Although the beach in town and just north of town is somewhat exposed to
the prevailing winds, south of town near Nopolo the seaside cliffs provide
a windbreak close to shore. For beginners, kayaking in the harbor at Puerto
Escondido is an enjoyable experience.

WHALE WATCHING

BAJA OUTPOST

WINDSURFING AND KITE BOARDING

Where else can you launch a board right in the middle of town? The sea
wall along the Malecon is just a few feet above the high tide line. Also,
the sandy beach a couple hundred yards north is a good place to launch.
Winds range from calm to moderate most of the time, and the water is warm
enough most of the year to avoid wetsuits.

There are several very good places to eat in Loreto, and more seem to be
popping up each year. The menus vary widely, and the Baja traveler can find
just about any type of meal desired right near the center of town.

Looking for a mini dining adventure? Vista al Mar Restaurant is located right on the beach about 10 minutes south of Loreto on the main highway at km. 103. Clams are their specialty!

The nightlife
still tends to be weak in Loreto, although Mike's on the main street and Auggies on the Malecon tend to draw an increasingly larger crowds.

For a fun after lunch or dinner treat try the Thrifty Ice Cream store located on the main street across from the main Pescador Market!

CAFE OLE'

Mid town on Avenida Madero, just in form the Mission.
A good place to pull up a plate. Reasonable prices.
Great breakfasts and lunches...plus a decent (but small) bathroom!
If you haven't had breakfast here, you haven't had breakfast in Loreto.
Restroom in the rear on the left side.

DEL BORRACHO SALOON

Located about 100 yards west of Baja Highway One on the road to San Javier Mision (near the airport).
Burgers, beers and a full bar!
Mechanical bull riding on Saturday nights (sometimes).
A piece of the old west...down south.
Open Friday and Saturday during summer....sometimes
Open Wednesday through Sunday the rest of the year.
Carlos Fiesta's favorite Honkey Tonk in Baja!

EL NIDO

Telephone 011-52 (613) 135-0284.
South side of the main street, just as you begin entering town from the
Baja Highway.
Specializing as a steakhouse, Mexican and some seafood also available.
Full bar adjacent to the dining area.

POSADA DE LOS FLORES LA PLAZA RESTAURANT

Telephone (877) 245-2860.
Salvatierra esq. Madero Col. Centro, Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico, 23880.
Located right off of the main road through town, directly across from the Plaza and the Mission.
Web site: www.posadadelosflores.com.
An intimate first class rooftop restaurant in heart of Loreto! Definitely the top end eatery within hundreds of miles in any direction!
Highly recommended: Lobster fish fajitas.
Ceviche and oysters are a good appetizer.
This first class hotel and restaurant features a grand old-world entrance.
Indoor elegant Italian restaurant "Vecchia Roma"....bring money.
The wonderful roof-top bar called "Antigua Casa del Negro Mesa" for cocktails under the stars before or after dinner!
The rooftop pool and lounge area is a marvel to check out before dinner!

POLLO REAL

Telephone 011 52 (613) 135-0674.
1). Located on the main street as you enter town, north side, before the El Pescador Market.
2). Also located on the main highway at the entrance to town.
Right off the spit BBQ chicken, tortillas and fresh fries (papas).
Great place to grab a bird to eat at the beach.
Delicious and plenty of food!
Don't miss their delicious salsa for your fries!
Carlos Fiesta's favorite place grab food for A ROAD TRIP!!!

CESAR'S TACOS Y TACOS

Located due east of Mc Lulu's Tacos on the main street.
A great place for an inexpensive meal.
Fish tacos, shrimp tacos, carne asada tacos and more.
Also serving beer and sodas.
Very clean environment, plus a TV to watch sports.
Tables on an outdoor patio to watch the cars go by.
Friendly service!

MC LULU'S TACOS

North side of the town road, just past the big market, small taco stand
with tables.
Great fish tacos, inexpensive prices. An easy fill-up for poco
pesos.
Lulu is the unofficial mayor of Loreto, seems to know everybody in town, has business cards on the walls from all around the world!
Lulu is semi-retired but still stops in occassionally.

ROSALIA TAQUERIA

Located one block north of the Benito Juarez PEMEX station, on the east side of the street.
Loreto's secret spot for taco lovers looking for the ultimate in taco technology!
Excellent beef tacos, and you can bring in your own drinks!
Cheap prices!

BARS

In addition to the bars mentioned below, there are also two bars open at Loreto International Airport (when the airport is open). The bar at the main entrance to the airport and the one in the waiting room before boarding (past the X-Ray machine) is almost always open one hour before boarding.

Looking for a bar with style? Head to the La Mision Hotel on the Malecon. Awesome!

LA MISION HOTEL BAR

Located on the Malecon, north side.
Food, drinks and a view of the Sea of Cortez.
Air conditioning and music.
The newest bar in Loreto (2009).
A great place for your "Welcome Margarita" when you first arrive in town.

MIKE'S BAR

Right in the middle of town, south side of the street.
Good music, live music at night, usually active until after midnight.
A short walk to the Sea of Cortez if you want to walk on the Malecon.

AUGGIES BAR

Located on the Malecon, west side.
Food, drinks and a view of the Sea of Cortez.
Air conditioning and music.
Check out the Bulletin Board on the north wall to see what's happening in town.
Downstairs is air conditoned, upstairs is open to the sea breeze.
Daily Happy Hour specials!

DEL BORRACHO SALOON

Located about 100 yards west of Baja Highway One on the road to San Javier Mision (near the airport).
A full bar!
Mechanical bull riding on Saturday nights.
A piece of the old west...down south.
Open Friday and Saturday during summer.
Open Wednesday through Sunday the rest of the year.
Carlos Fiesta's favorite Honkey Tonk in Baja!

HOTEL DE LOS FLORES BAR

Located near the mission next to cafe Ole
Food, drinks and a rooftop view of Loreto.
Not cheap but worth it.
Do not miss the view of the bottom of the rooftop pool as you enter the hotel main doors!

Loreto offers shopping sufficient to please locals and visitors alike. The
main market in the center of town is just like the supermarket back at home,
although maybe not offering quite the same large selection. Other stores
in town offer shopping of the other variety, such as clothing, apparel,
jewelry and the like. While pop is out at play on the ocean, mom should
have no problem running up the Master Card.

There is also a small gift shop in the waiting room at Loreto Airport!

Visit the web site of JOHN RAMOS to review his unique and colorful Mexico art work.

DOLLY'S MARKET

A great store for all of your shopping needs.
If you can't find it here you don't need it.
Carlos Fiesta loves this store!

EL PESCADOR MARKET

(The small
one)

On the north (left) side of the road, heading into town from the main
highway.
A super market type store, but not real big. Good for easy-in, easy out.
Gets busy with kids when school lets out.

EL PESCADOR MARKET

(The big one)

Also on the north side of the road, right in the middle of town, where
the road bends.
Biggest selection in town. Fruits, vegetables, milk, meat, you name it.
Tell a friend.
Open from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

MINI MARKET LA REVOLUCION

Located right across the street from the Sea of Cortez!
A very small market offering some of the basics, a short walk from most of the ocean front hotels.

One thing can definitely be said about Loreto . . it's easy to get to! The
International Airport is just a couple of miles south of town, with direct
1.5 hour flights from Los Angeles. Also, the Baja Highway skirts just west
of town, making it easy for vehicles to get here. And, supposing you were
crazy enough to want to arrive by boat, the harbor in town is a good place
to tie up.

Loreto has five Pemex gasoline stations, including one on the main street in town, south side (Pemex #1698) and one a block over and a little east (north side) #2884. A new Pemex station is under construction on Baja Highway One, between the town entrance and the airport (west side). Premium gasoline is now available for a little more dinero and probably not a bad idea if you are filling up.
Like most of the Pemex stations in Baja these guys keep lots of cash on hand so if you need to break a $50 or a $100 bill they can usually accommodate you.

AIRPORT

Alaska Airlines is the main airline connecting Loreto with the rest of the world.
The events of 9/11 had a significant effect on the services available, and the daily flights
from LAX to Loreto are a thing of the past. Carlos Fiesta loves the Alaska Air early Internet check in!

Getting from the airport to downtown Loreto is easy. The Collectivo van to Loreto,
or a private taxi. Be sure to confirm the price before you get in.

LORETO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

LOCATION: 2 miles south of town, next to the Sea of Cortez.

SURFACE: Paved

ELEVATION: 69 FEET

RUNWAYS: 16 / 34

LENGTH: 8,200 FEET

TOWER: 118.4

FUEL: YES

AIRPORT OF ENTRY: YES

COMMENTS: For an International airport, Loreto gets very little commercial traffic. Usually just a couple of flights per day. The wind is usually from the north (although not always), mandating runway 34 for most general aviation departures and arrivals. The terminal is small and friendly, complete with bar, and car rentals and cabs are usually available during the day.

BAJA BUSH PILOTS is a good web site and information resource for private pilots who enjoy taking their birds to Baja. Special Baja services are available for members!

If you are a private pilot just needing gas for your bird try to avoid Loreto Airport if possible. These hombres are nowhere near as fast as San Felipe so you can't be in a hurry to fuel up here.

The General Aviation facility for Customs and Immigration is at the south end of the terminal, you can park your bird right up front.

ALASKA AIRLINES

Toll free (800) ALASKAAIR.
(800) 252-7522.
Post Office Box 68900, Seattle, Washington, 98168.
Local office at the Loreto airport, to the left of the ticket counter.
Web site: www.alaskaair.com.
Direct flights from Los Angeles, California.
Try the Turkey Wrap for $5 so you arrive in Paradise full!
Finally...a good airline to Loreto.
For more information drop by the Baja Expo ALASKA AIRLINES web page.

BUS TERMINAL

The bus terminal is located near the entrance to town at the traffic circle, next to the Firestone tire shop. A small store serves snacks and sodas.

CAR RENTALS

The collission insurance is expensive and a rip off (unless you get in an accident). Check with your home insurance carrier before you leave to see if it is necessary.

BUDGET RENT-A-CAR

Telephone 011-52 (613) 135-1090.
Airport (not always open) 011-52 (613) 135-0937.
Toll free (800) 322-9975.
Rental desk at the airport, office in town, next to La Palapa Restaurant.
Boulevard Adolfo Lopez Mateos, corner Miguel Hidalgo, Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico, 23880.
You may not have a great selection, but the cars are usually in good shape.
Unlimited mileage.
Rates took an increase in 2009 because the competition folded.
Expect $75 per day including tax and insurance.

THRIFTY RENT-A CAR

Telephone 011-52 (613) 135-0815.
Rental desk at the airport, office in town,
across from water.
Giving Budget some good competition.
Unlimited mileage.
The collission insurance is v-e-r-y expensive (2009).

HERTZ RENT-A-CAR

Located at the Loreto airport.
Right next to Budget Rent-a-Car.
Reserve before you arrive.

MARINA

The marina (darsena) in Loreto is located towards the north end of town next to the sandy beach. The launching ramp is in the northwest corner of the marina, and there is a dock and ramp on the north side of the interior of the marina. The Port Captain's office is located about 100 yards west of the marina.

The Immigration office is located at the far west end of town on the main street...don't even try to walk form the marina unless you really need the exercise.

TAXIS

Taxis can almost always be found parked on the north side of Loreto's main street, just east of the large El Pescador market. Before and after incoming flights, Taxis can be found parked in front of the airport. Most folks arriving at the airport choose to utilize the airport shuttle vans, at the reasonable cost of $5 per head. If you simply must get to town immediately, a private Taxi will be happy to help you, at a cost of $15-$18.

Getting from the airport to downtown Loreto or vise versa is easy. It's the Collectivo van to Loreto,
or a private taxi (maximum 3 people). Be sure to confirm the price before you get in.

TOURS

If you are interested in checking out the islands south of Loreto take Baja Highway One south of Puerto Escondido to the Loreto Marine Park sign and turn left (about 8 miles south of town). Ramon Island Tours will set up a custom tour to share the beauty of these island with you! He also runs dive and snorkel trips.

C. & C. GROUND SERVICES

Telephone 011-52 (613) 133-0151.
P.O. Box 7, Loreto, B.C.S. 23880.
Great folks to use if you have a group coming in. They handle all the
logistics.

LORETOURS

Telephone 011-52 (613) 135-0088.
By the water, next to the Mision Hotel.
Tours of Loreto and surrounding areas.

BANCOMER

Telephone 011-52 (613) 135-0315.
In the plaza, near the mission.
Best time to go is in the morning, to avoid long lines.
ATM available...jockpots paid in Pesos.
Note! Bank closes at 4:00 p.m.

LLANTERA

(Tire repair)

Entering town from the main highway, there are two large tire repair shops.
LLANTERA EL YAQUI is located on the left (north) side of the main street, and LLANTERA LORETO is located on the right (south) side of the street. Both shops provide a good service for a reasonable price.

POST OFFICE

Located just off of Benito Juarez on Deposito Street, next to the Red Cross building.

TELEPHONE

IGLO

Located on the main street directly across the street from the big Pescador Market.
Local and long distance phone calls and faxes, plus ice cream!
Phone rates 18 pesos per minute, ice cream extra.
Open 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

TOURIST INFORMATION

Loreto real estate has had it's ups and downs, and the recession in the U.S. didn't help. The Nopolo developement shut down just south of town and is in some form of getting back on its feet. A lot of people lost a lot of money. We'll see what happens there but it doesn't look good.
More Baja aficionados are deciding to set down roots in Loreto, and real
estate prices were on the upswing until 2009 when the U.S. market really hit the skids. Now prices have leveled off and even dropped a bit. The short 1.5 hour flight from
the United States is enticing buyers to purchase vacation
homes. Properties available include beach front, ocean view, and interior
properties.